WORKPLACE WELLBEING

INTRODUCING WORKPLACE WELLBEING

Coming from a background of delivery of fitness and weight loss programmes, we believe we have a rather unique, more holistic insight into what matters to people in terms of their health and fitness, and what works best. Simply put, we believe that happy and healthy employees make for better business and we want to work with companies who share that view, to introduce workplace practices that encourage and develop a more alert, energised and successful active business.

AVOIDING COSTLY MISTAKES

To help you understand our methods we have a 4-step process, which could help you avoid some costly mistakes.

1. CONSULT

2. PLAN

3. TEST AND ADJUST

4. IMPLEMENT

Not unusual in itself but you may be surprised to learn that some very expensive mistakes could be avoided by following our 4 step process – for example:

Often the first suggestion is “Let’s build a gym” …it could be a good idea, but what if you spend a fortune finding the space, providing and maintaining several thousands of pounds worth of equipment, then have it supervised for safety, only to find that nobody uses it after the first few weeks?

Or you decide to provide life insurance for your key personnel – does that actually help the business if the worst comes to the worst?

4 STEP PROCESS TO WORKPLACE WELLBEING

The Health Risk Assessment comprises of personal information collated from the following:

1. CONSULT

Of course we would need to meet and discuss your specific requirements so we can tailor your own ‘Active Business Plan’ to meet your work pattern and any limitations (i.e. space and facilities). The best introduction to any company from our perspective, is from a Workplace Champion – someone who has already benefitted from a healthier lifestyle and seen for themselves the difference that an active lifestyle brings. This person may be a sporting type, been through a life changing experience or worked in a company that has already invested in a wellbeing programme.

We then present a business case for workplace wellness and secure leadership endorsement, because leadership buy-in makes it easier to get things done. Having the MD, FD or HR Director on board makes the chances of success much better.

Then the real work begins. We start the process with an ‘Interest Survey’ of the employees – to assess attitudes and enthusiasm, gather information on what matters most, and target the most important health issues. This process can be done with total anonymity either online or from a downloadable pdf.

2. PLAN

Now we are ready to make a plan!

At this stage, dependent on the complexity of the issues to be addressed, you may wish to form a Wellbeing Committee. This should comprise of at least one main point of contact …perhaps your Workplace Champion? Either way, this is where clearly defined goals and definitions of success are agreed upon.

There is also the issue of incentives to be discussed and decided upon. It is well documented that, even when there is clearly a benefit from being an active participant, the level of enthusiasm is greater when there are additional incentives. Better still, if there is some contribution from the individual like in our Resolutions Programme.

The next step is to set a programme schedule which will promote and encourage maximum participation.

3. TEST AND ADJUST

It’s time to get to work, time to act upon the plan and dependent on the level of complexity or scale, we generally suggest you introduce a pilot scheme to see if what has been discussed is practical and well received. During this time (usually three to six months), we will endeavour to engage with as many people as possible including the non-participants who are never-the-less likely to be taking a keen interest.

Pilot scheme or not, we kick off the active part of the programme with our Health Risk Assessment, or at least a minimum baseline measurement, in order to assess the current state of health and get an overall picture of health related behaviours of your employees.

The purpose is twofold: Firstly, to give the individuals an idea of what health issues they might need to work on and secondly, to gather summary information with which to guide future planning and to check if priorities remain relevant.

All the way through this we evaluate the effectiveness and popularity of the programme or pilot scheme from feedback and continuing biometric checks.

4. IMPLEMENT

Once we have completed the process above and have agreed the prescribed exercise (to suit budget and time requirements), we are ready to roll out the programme.

This means that one or more of our Personal Trainers will come to you and deliver a physical training programme for your Corporate Athletes, Corporate Warriors or Team Challengers and/or we will arrange workshops, seminars and one-to-one consultations to address topics associated with Mental Health.

You may also find it beneficial, to engage your employees, to have a series of presentations with a wide range of topics typically:

Healthy Eating

Exercise and Weight Loss

Recovery from injury or illness

Diabetes – how to avoid and even reverse it

Stress – coping strategies

Dealing with addiction

All of this can be done at any time during office hours, before or after work and either at your place of work or even at home if that is more convenient for key employees or part time workers.

OTHER ASPECTS FOR DISCUSSION

Clearly there are several things to be discussed to implement a successful programme dependent on the number of employees. Here are few topics:

Policy and Procedures: Point of contact or wellness committee, written policy.

If you would like to know more about how we can help your business in developing a Workplace Wellbeing programme, and/or accreditation for the Wellbeing Charter, email or use the contact form and we will call to discuss your needs or arrange to meet.